Orthotics May Reduce Golf Fatigue

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Orthotics May Reduce Golf Fatigue

The foot and ankle have the potential to significantly influence the overall function of the body, including the hips and spine during gait. Shoe selection may influence balance and activities involving balance, such as walking or swinging a golf club.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of orthotics on components of gait (e.g., stride length and pelvic rotation). Twelve experienced golfers completed nine holes of simulated golf: once before using orthotics and again after six weeks of using custom-fit, flexible shoe inserts daily. The simulated golf consisted of walking on a treadmill with a golf bag at 3.2 mph, stopping intermittently to simulate waiting periods characteristic of golf. Researchers used video freeze-frame analysis and colored fluorescent markings to measure gait patterns before and after the simulated golf.
The measurements showed that after nine holes of simulated golf, orthotics increased the pelvic rotation in the subjects by 29-36% with concomitant modifications in stride length.
The authors suggest, "Because custom orthotics are designed, in part, to help to correct structural deficiencies identified on subject foot impression casts, the subsequent product might be helping to promote structural improvements and hence, more symmetric and improved functional performance outcomes."
Stude DE, Gullickson J. The effects of orthotic intervention and 9 holes of simulated golf on gait in experienced golfers. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2001:24(4), pp. 279-287.